Parameters/reagents

Parameter dictionary

Active Oxygen

In Northern latitudes, active oxygen is a particularly popular alternative disinfectant to chlorine. Principally, however, for purposes of measurement what counts is whether the medium used contains persulfate or peroxide. Water disinfected with persulfate-containing media is measured according to the DPD N° 4 method. When using peroxide containing disinfection media, Hydrogen Peroxide tablets are used in connection with the Acidifying PT tablets. In both cases, the “Active Oxygen (O2)“ designation is in fact misleading. It is not the molecular Oxygen that oxidizes (disinfects); rather it is an Oxygen radical which quite quickly combines with an additional radical to form molecular Oxygen (the air one breathes). This is also the main disadvantage to this method; because the disinfection effect does not last long and the effect is rather limited. As a strict rule, therefore, Chlorine is added in regular intervals when Active Oxygen is used for disinfection. Yet with the DPD N° 4 method false readings can then result (when simultaneously using both Chlorine and Active Oxygen), because the potassium iodide contained in this tablet catalytically splits the persulfates and thus the sum of persulfate and chlorine is indicated

Alkalinity

KS4,3 Acidity is also known as m-Alkalinity, Total Alkalinity, Hydrogen Carbonate Hardness, Acid Buffering Power, Temporary Hardness, … Alkalinity describes the ability of water to buffer the increase of ph value influencing chemicals (flocculants, disinfection media – e.g. chlorine products – lowering or raising pH). To provide a sufficient buffering effect, alkalinity should amount to at least 0.7 mol/m3 and/or mmol/l. This value represents the hydrogen carbonated materials dissolved in water. The buffering effect in the 4.2 – 8.2 pH range relies on a balance between hydrogen carbonate ions and carbon dioxide dissolved in water. Should chemicals that lower the pH value of water be added (acids), then the hydrogen carbonate ion combines with these to form carbonic acid (which in turn dissolves into carbon dioxide and water) and water. At a 4.3 pH value all hydrogen carbonate ions are depleted; thus the KS4,3 Acidity designation. Should in contrast chemicals be added that raise the pH value (bases), then hydrogen carbonate ions form again out of dissolved carbon dioxide and water. The modified relationship between dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions thus determines a new pH value. The buffering capacity of water becomes too low at alkalinities below 0.7 mmol/l, thus making it difficult to determine the pH value. In such cases small amounts of acids and bases will immediately and intensively change the pH value. Furthermore, water will have a corrosive effect on pipe mains. An alkalinity value which is too low can be increased through the addition of sodium hydrogen carbonate and/or sodium carbonate. When alkalinity values are high, however, the buffering effect is too large and large amounts of pH regulators are needed in order to achieve a change in pH. Additionally, when conditions are unfavorable (warming, pH > 8.2), calcium tends to precipitate because carbonate ions form out of hydrogen carbonate ions which in turn form water-insoluble compounds in the presence of calcium or magnesium (see Total Hardness). Alkalinity that is too high can be corrected through – at least partial – replacement of water. Because pH values above 8.2 will stop the equilibrium between hydrogen carbonate ions and carbonate ions, the alkalinity of the water must then (pH value over 8.2) be measured with the Alkalinity-P method.

Aluminium

Aluminum is a silvery white, flexible alloy that is covered with an oxide layer in the air. Salt formation is made up from acids and bases, in this case mostly trivalent, and rarely monovalent. With approximately 8% in the earth’s crust, it is the most abundant metal and third most abundant element in the earth's crust.
Aluminum is attained from bauxite, feldspar, mica, and clays. It is used technically as an alloying element for steels, bronzes, deoxidizers, for paint, reflectors and welding. Aluminum compounds are used as flocculants and as a flocculating agent in water treatment. Aluminum compounds are also used in medical products and cosmetics.
The entry of aluminum into drinking water can be caused by insufficient flocculation, dissolution processes from soils, acid rain or waste water, and from the aluminum processing industry. Aluminium is in groundwater concentrations at 0.01 - 0.1 mg / L.
The average daily intake via drinking water is at 0.5 mg / day.
Drinking water regulations limit: 0.200 mg / L.

Ammonia

Ammonium ion NH4 + is a cation, which chemically reacts similarly to alkali metal ions, and forms salts of corresponding formula, such as ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate) NH4NO3 or ammonia (ammonium chloride). It is the conjugated acid base for ammonia NH3.
It is not to be confused with quaternary ammonium compounds, in which nitrogen also has four binding partners, however these are all organic residues and not hydrogen atoms. In the natural environment however, ammonia results primarily in the degradation of proteins. It is excreted by fish and most other aquatic organisms as an end product, for example, via the gills. It is even released as an end product with the bacterial decay of dead biomass as an end product. It plays an important role in the citric acid cycle, in which it reacts with alpha-ketoglutarate to glutamic acid. Ammonium is, firstly to nitrite and other types of bacteria (Nitrobacter) to Nitrate, further oxidized and thus "detoxified" in the soil, and in areas under oxygen consumption from bacteria (Nitrosomonas). In addition to bacteria, archaea also plays an important role in ammonium oxidation in soil. [3] This process is called nitrification and is thoroughly desirable in soil. Nitrification is also an important part of self-purification in water.
Ammonia is toxic to fish even at low concentrations. Ammonium content in water of 0.5 to 1 mg / l, therefore, depending on the pH of the water, is regarded as questionable for fish life. Ammonium levels at above 1 mg / l in waters is not suitable for fishing purposes.

Biguanide

Biguanide disinfectants are also gaining in popularity as an alternative to chlorine. Other than with other substitute materials, such as for example ozone or active oxygen, biguanides do not go well with chlorine, bromine, copper, or silver compounds. Nevertheless a counteracting agent is required because biguanides do not deploy an oxidative effect which is required, for example, for the breakdown of organic materials such as ureas and sweat. To do this, as a rule, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used in addition to biguanide.

Boron

The element boron is present in 0.001% of the earth's crust. In the natural environment, it is boron oxide, and in natural waters, mainly in the form of boric acid, H3BO3 or B(OH)3. For plants, it is an existential element to stabilize membranes. Borates are used in glass production, and also as a flame retardant and is also used in soaps, cosmetics and detergents. Boron can, due to detergents, also be found via natural occurrences in drinking water.
More than 0.3 mg / L of boron is rarely found in drinking water in public water supplies in Germany. In other countries (USA, UK, Chile), due to geogenic processes, significantly higher concentrations of boron can be expected. Commercially available natural mineral waters can contain much more boron than is found in drinking water.
Drinking water regulations limit: 1.0 mg / L.

Bromine

Using bromine as a disinfectant is becoming a popular alternative to chlorine. The advantage of this method is that combined bromine is unscented compared to combined chlorine (chloramine). That is, the disinfection effect is the same but human mucous membranes are not irritated. Disadvantages to the use of bromine products include, however, the limited oxidation effect and the higher prices and handling risks. Often a combination of bromine and chlorine is used; but this makes determining the concentration difficult. Under the DPD N° 1 method, measurements now show (if chlorine is used with bromine) the total concentration of free and total bromine and free chlorine. In order to establish the bromine concentration in this special case, the free chlorine must be converted into combined chlorine with the aid of DPD-glycine. In contrast to chlorine, the confirmation “DPD N° 1” reagent works with both free and combined bromine, thus always establishing the total bromine content.

Carbohydrazide

Carbohydrazide is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 153-154 ° C. at which point it decomposes. It is highly soluble in water, however, largely insoluble in organic solvents.
Carbohydrazide is used to capture oxygen in the treatment of water for boilers. It is an alternative to the dangerous, and potentially carcinogenic, hydrazine. Carbohydrazide reacts with oxygen to produce water, nitrogen and urea. Moreover, passivated metals and reduced metal oxides (iron oxide -> iron oxide; copper -> copper oxide).
It is widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and dyes.

Chloramines

Chlorine (in the form of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, chlorine gas, chlorinated isocyanurates, ...) has prevailed worldwide as the leading disinfectant for swimming and bathing pools. To measure chlorine concentration existing in water under DIN EN 7393, 3 partial values are to be distinguished. 1.) free chlorine: chlorine that is present as hypochloric acid, hypochlorite ions, or dissolved, elementary, chlorine. 2.) combined chlorine: Portion of total chlorine which is present in the form of chloramines and all chlorinated derivatives of organic nitrogen compounds. 3.) total chlorine: Sum of the other two mentioned forms. While free chlorine immediately creates a disinfection effect, the disinfection potential of combined chlorine is highly limited. Chloramines are responsible for the smell of swimming pools and the irritation of human mucous membranes that lead to red eye. A member of this class of substances is nitrogen chloride which humans already perceive at a concentration of 0.02 mg/l. Free chlorine is measured according to the DPD N° 1 method. Here N,N-diallyl p-phenyl diamine (DPD), an indicator chemical, is oxidized by chlorine and discolors to red. The more intensive the discoloration, the more chlorine is present in the water. Photometric measurements or optical comparison with a colour scale allow the chlorine concentration to be measured. If a DPD N° 3 tablet is now added to this sample, then the combined chlorine will also be marked. The measured value now corresponds also to the total chlorine concentration. The concentration of combined chlorine corresponds to the difference between total chlorine and free chlorine. Since the slightest traces of the active chemicals in DPD N° 3 tablets lead to combined chlorine becoming active during the measurement, absolute care must be taken prior to the next DPD N° 1 measurement to sufficiently clean the measurement device thus avoiding false readings. The use of two differently calibrated vessels (one generally for measuring free chlorine and the other for measuring total chlorine values) is highly recommended.

Chloride

Chlorides are widely distributed throughout the natural environment, especially as sodium chloride (cooking salt), potassium chloride and calcium chloride. About 0.05% of the earth's crust contains chloride.
A person consumes approximately 3-12 g Cl (corresponding to 5 - 20 g NaCl) daily, with usual food. It is excreted through the kidneys and in sweat.
Conventional water treatment processes do not reduce chloride concentrations. There is a need for a method of desalination (reverse osmosis, ion exchange, distillation). With the addition of hydrochloric acid or chloride-containing flocculants for pH correction, the chloride concentration is increased in the water. Levels above 250 mg / L can give the water a salty taste and concentrations above 500 mg / L are considered as unpleasant.
Drinking water regulations limit: 250 mg / L.

Chlorine

Chlorine (in the form of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, chlorine gas, chlorinated isocyanurates, ...) has prevailed worldwide as the leading disinfectant for swimming and bathing pools. To measure chlorine concentration existing in water under DIN EN 7393, 3 partial values are to be distinguished. 1.) free chlorine: chlorine that is present as hypochloric acid, hypochlorite ions, or dissolved, elementary, chlorine. 2.) combined chlorine: Portion of total chlorine which is present in the form of chloramines and all chlorinated derivatives of organic nitrogen compounds. 3.) total chlorine: Sum of the other two mentioned forms. While free chlorine immediately creates a disinfection effect, the disinfection potential of combined chlorine is highly limited. Chloramines are responsible for the smell of swimming pools and the irritation of human mucous membranes that lead to red eye. A member of this class of substances is nitrogen chloride which humans already perceive at a concentration of 0.02 mg/l. Free chlorine is measured according to the DPD N° 1 method. Here N,N-diallyl p-phenyl diamine (DPD), an indicator chemical, is oxidized by chlorine and discolors to red. The more intensive the discoloration, the more chlorine is present in the water. Photometric measurements or optical comparison with a colour scale allow the chlorine concentration to be measured. If a DPD N° 3 tablet is now added to this sample, then the combined chlorine will also be marked. The measured value now corresponds also to the total chlorine concentration. The concentration of combined chlorine corresponds to the difference between total chlorine and free chlorine. Since the slightest traces of the active chemicals in DPD N° 3 tablets lead to combined chlorine becoming active during the measurement, absolute care must be taken prior to the next DPD N° 1 measurement to sufficiently clean the measurement device thus avoiding false readings. The use of two differently calibrated vessels (one generally for measuring free chlorine and the other for measuring total chlorine values) is highly recommended.

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide (2.33 times heavier than air) is known as a gaseous compound of the halogen, chlorine, and oxygen (ClO2); which has the advantage over pure chlorine that it effects smell and taste perception less and that is also acts as an anti-virus. Chlorine dioxide is also manufactured at special facilities near the production site by combining chlorine gas and/or under-chlorinated acid and a fluid sodium chlorite solution (NaClO2) (10:1). On average 0.05 mg/l – 0.2 mg/l are assumed as average minimum/maximum values.

Chlorite

Salts of chlorous acids HClO2 are called chlorite. In the chlorite anion (ClO2-) chlorine has an oxidation number of +3. In this state, chlorine and chlorite is a strong oxidant and easily decomposed. Chlorites are made by introducing chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in sodium hydroxide -hydrogen peroxide solutions. The most important of these is the sodium chlorite, a white crystalline salt. It is resistant in pure form and safely handled in solution. In mixture with combustible materials it is explosive. The sparingly soluble in water, light yellow colored chlorites of silver and plump are explosive and may only be isolated under appropriate safeguards in pure form. They are used as bleaching agents for textiles. The ClO2 (which is released during acidification) bleaches gentle fiber. In water chlorite is formed during disinfection with chlorine dioxide. Chlorite builds up in water to chlorate from. Chlorite and chlorate have a toxicologically similar mode of action.

Chromium

Chromium (from ancient Greek colour) is a chemical element with the atomic symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is one of the transition metals in the periodic table in the 6 Sub-group (group 6) or chromium group. The compounds of chromium has many different colours, and are often used as pigments in inks and paints. Chromium in Water: Chromium occurs in nature not in free form. The main chromium mineral is chromite. Chromium compounds are naturally present in small amounts in the aquatic environment. It can pass through a variety of industrial wastewater into surface waters. It is used as the finishing of metal surfaces or metal alloys. Stainless steel contains 12-15 % chromium. Chromium metal is produced worldwide in quantities of about 20,000 tons per year. It can be polished to a high shine and does not oxidize in air. From the metal industry gets chrome mainly in the trivalent form in the water. Hexavalent chromium in industrial waste water mainly originates from the tanning and dyeing. Chromium compounds are used as pigments and for tanning leather. 90% of the leather is tanned by means of chromium compounds, wherein the waste water usually contains about 5 ppm chromium. They are also useful as catalysts in the impregnation of wood, in the manufacture of audio and (continued Chromium) video cassette and lasers. Chromite is the starting material for various refractory materials and chemicals. In the household waste Chromium may be from various synthetic materials. The isotope 51Cr is released during nuclear fission and can be used for medical diagnostic purposes.

COD

The chemical oxygen demand, COD, as a summation parameter, is a measure of the sum of all oxidizing substances, under certain conditions, which are present in water. It indicates the amount of oxygen (in mg / l), which would be needed for its oxidation, if oxygen were the oxidant. The process is also known as "oxidizability Cr-VI" (chromate consumption if this would be the oxidizing agent), compared with potassium permanganate ("oxidizability Mn VII").
In addition to this use, as a measure of the concentration of chemically oxidizable substances in water, the chemical oxygen demand (as a measure of the chemically oxidizable substances in the production of a quantity of product into the wastewater discharged (g / kg of product quantity), or disposed of in a period (t / a, tons per year), is used.

Colour

Colour standards are defined according to the APHA (American Public Health Association) with the platinum cobalt (Pt / Co) scale.
Another colour standard is similar to the Platinum Cobalt (Pt / Co) scale and is named after the chemist Allen Hazan Hazan as Hazan scale.
Originally the standard was intended to describe the colour of wastewater, but the use is now extended to industrial applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, beverage, plastics and oil industries.
The colour scale goes from 0-500 units in ppm platinum-cobalt to distilled water.
The colour of the water is used as a measure of the concentration of the dissolved particles in the water. Thus, impurities – mainly by organic compounds – can be measured as color.

Copper

There can be different reasons for measuring copper values. When it comes to drinking water, copper measurements are made in order to determine the quality of the drinking water. There are no official maximum permissible values for copper in drinking water, but there are recommended values of between 2 to 3 mg/l. Copper is a trace element and is thus essential to human life. A daily consumption of 0.05 – 0.5 mg/kg body weight is considered acceptable. Copper is, however, considered to be dangerous to organisms which is “positively” taken advantage of in swimming pool areas to combat algae and bacteria in the form of copper-containing algicides. However, copper-sulfate containing algicides also have their disadvantages such as the possible discoloration of hair, spotting in swimming suits, and even corrosiveness and copper acetate sedimentation. As an example, copper releases into the drinking water from copper pipes. The “Copper/Zinc LR” tablet simultaneously measures both copper and zinc which is how zinc is eliminated from the reaction through the EDTA tablet included in the kit before both individual values are obtained. The “Dechlor” tablet prevents deviations in the measurement if the residual chlorine content is high.

Cyanuric acid

When using organic chlorine products (trichlorisocyanuric acid and sodium dichlorisocyanurate), the so-called “isocyanuric acid” creates the carrier for chlorine. While the advantage of organic chlorine products clearly lies in the higher portion of active chlorine (up to 90%), the isocyanuric acid carrier substance can limit the speed at which the chlorine can kill off the bacteria when the concentration in water is high (>50 mg/l). It is thus recommended that one measure the cyanuric acid just as regularly as the chlorine content of the pool, in order not to counteract this fact by adding more chlorine (thus leading to higher isocyanuric acid being added).

DBNPA

DBNPA (2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide) is a fast-working biocide which hydrolyzes, under both acidic and alkaline conditions. It is preferably used in water, firstly because there it is fast working, and in addition, degrades very quickly. TMA has a similar effect to halogen biocides.
DBNPA is, among other things, used in papermaking as a preservative in paper coating composition, and in sludge.

DEHA

Diethylhexyladipate is an organic chemical compound from the group of esters, or rather more precisely, the adipic acid ester of 2-ethylhexanol. Diethylhexyladipate is sometimes wrongly also called DOA (dioctyl adipate).
Diethylhexyladipate is a colorless, almost odorless liquid and chemically belongs to the adipate group.
Diethylhexyladipate is used in the production of plasticizers, cold-temperature flexible, soft PVC, and is used for rubber and cold and light-resistant nitrocellulose paints. It serves as a cold-resistant plasticizer in PVC films for food packaging and is used in conjunction with other plasticizers to improve performance at low temperatures in hoses, cables and films.
Diethylhexyladipate is not very toxic, but dissolves, because of its solubility, in oil from packaging, and is found in many foods (such as cheese). In foods, up to 18 mg / kg is allowed.
DEHA is, like the phthalate plasticizers, commonly found in the natural environment, including in waters. DEHA is classified in Water Hazard Class 1 as a "low hazard to waters in Germany”.

Eryothorbic acid/ Isoascorbic acid

Isoascorbic acid (erythorbic acid also) is an organic acid, which is present at room temperature as a colorless and odorless, crystalline, readily water-soluble solid.
Isoascorbic acid is used in the food industry as an antioxidant and stabilizer. In the U.S., it is increasingly used as a preservative, since the use of sulfites to preserve raw food is prohibited by law. Isoascorbic is authorized in the EU as food additive number E315 for certain meat products, and has limits in fish products of 0.5 g to 1.5 g per kilogram.
The sodium salt of isoascorbic Natriumisoascorbinat carries the food additive number E316.

Fluorescein

Fluorescein is a stable fluorescent tracer dye that emits green light with wavelengths between 520 and 530 nm upon exication with blue light with a maximum absorption at 495nm. It provides an accurate, cost effective method for monitoring industrial boiler applications when a fixed known amount is added to dosage program. Once added to the water circulation system it is stable over time and is environmentally safe when dosed at the concentrations required for boiler water analysis.

Fluoride

Fluoride is the monovalent anion (F-) of the hydrogen fluoride. It occurs in the form of compounds which are predominantly found in rocks. The frequency in the earth’s crust is stated as 0.065 %, (weight). Salt content is found in drinking water via fluoride-bearing rocks. In Germany there is an average, independent from ground-water, of 0.1 mg / L to 0.18 mg / L. Fluoride levels were over 1.5 mg / L in only 0.3% of all drinking water samples. Geogenic and / or environmental causes in countries like India, Kenya, and South Africa have been elicited with fluoride concentrations above 25 mg / l.
Fluoride is readily absorbed and deposited again by the body and of which up to 98% is located in the bones and teeth. Quantities of fluoride at 1 mg / L causes a caries prophylactic effect, however daily amounts of 1.5 to 2 mg / L may already lead to dental fluorosis. This causes damage to the enamel and leads to osteosclerosis, a disease that can cause rigidity of the spine, thorax and joints.
Fluoride fluorination of drinking water in Germany is not being considered, due to the close co-existence of protective and also damaging effects. Apart from the possible failure of individual dental hygiene of consumers, fluorination of drinking water would result in a significant impact on the environment with fluoride, unable to be assessed otherwise as industrial emissions of this substance. Furthermore, fluorination is controversially discussed as “forced medication” via drinking water.
Drinking water regulations limit: 1.5 mg / L.

Hardness (calcium, total...)

Basically dissolved salts belonging to the alkaline earth elements calcium and magnesium are found in non-distilled water. In rare cases, strontium and barium can also be found. These combine with carbonate ions to form water- insoluble compounds (calcium). Through the total hardness measurement, the potential danger of calcium precipitation is measured as the required carbonate ions form from hydrogen carbonate ions when water heats up or when there are pH values that are greater than 8.2 (comp. Alkalinity). When measuring calcium hardness (SVZ1300 tablet process), only the part of the dissolved calcium in water is measured. The amount of magnesium dissolved in water is determined from the difference between the measurement and the total hardness.

Hydrazine

Hydrazine is used for electricity generation in secondary electrochemical cells and alkaline fuel cells, primarily in aerospace, submarines (there is also an integral component of a rescue system used) and other military equipment.
Diluted hydrazine solutions are used as reagents in the laboratory and for the deoxygenation (liberation of oxygen) of boiler feed water in steam power plants. It is used both for the removal of residual oxygen after the degassing of feed water, to protect against possible low oxygen breaks in the area of the capacitor, as well as for the catalytic removal of oxygen from the additional water. The advantage of using hydrazine is that only nitrogen and water are formed in this reaction. Besides deoxygenation, a rise of the pH-value is also achieved in the water-steam circuit.

Hydrogen Peroxide

In Northern latitudes, active oxygen is a particularly popular alternative disinfectant to chlorine. Principally, however, for the purposes of measurement what counts is whether the medium used contains persulfate or peroxide. Water disinfected with persulfate-containing media is measured according to the DPD N° 4 method. When using peroxide containing disinfection media, Hydrogen Peroxide tablets are used in connection with the Acidifying PT tablets. In both cases, the “Active Oxygen (O2)“ designation is in fact misleading. It is not the molecular Oxygen that oxidizes (disinfects); rather it is an Oxygen radical which quite quickly combines with an additional radical to form molecular Oxygen (the air one breathes). This is also the main disadvantage to this method; because the disinfection effect does not last long and the effect is rather limited. As a strict rule, therefore, Chlorine is added in regular intervals when Active Oxygen is used for disinfection. Yet with the DPD N° 4 method false readings can then result (when simultaneously using both Chlorine and Active Oxygen), because the potassium iodide contained in this tablet catalytically splits the persulfates and thus the sum of persulfate and chlorine is indicated.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene) is a phenol, and together with pyrocatechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and resorcinol, (1,3-dihydroxybenzene), is the third possible dihydroxybenzene. Here, both of the two hydroxyl groups are in the para-position.
Hydroquinone is used as a reducing agent for developing films and images in photo lab technology. Because of the dangers to health and the environment, there are moves to replace the substance for these applications, due to other options with less risky substances. The use of hydroquinone in skin creams, despite potential health risks, has been tolerated since the early 1990s. It is also used as an inhibitor of radical reactions, in order to prevent the formation of ether peroxides.
Experiments with animals have demonstrated a carcinogenic effect. Carcinogenicity in humans and exposure within acceptable limits is controversial.

Iodine

is a chemical element with the element symbol I, and the atomic number 53. It is in the 7th main group in the periodic table (17 groups), and thus belonging to the halogens. The name derives from the ancient Greek word "ioeides" for "violet color". When heated, the vapors released are characteristically purple.
Tincture of iodine and iodo form contain iodine in an elemental or combined form, and are used as an antiseptic or antifungal agent. It is believed that the disinfecting effect is based on the elimination of oxygen from water. This oxygen is especially reactive shortly after its release, (in statu nascendi). Iodine is therefore used in certain cases for sterilizing water in swimming pools. It is advantageous in this context, since iodine is less aggressive than chlorine. However this water treatment cannot kill algae, so an additional algicide must be added. The intensive use of iodine can lead to skin discoloration. There is also, the risk of allergization. Both are avoidable with the use of so-called iodophors, carrier materials, which are capable of binding iodine.

Iron

Iron is normally attained via ferrous pipes into drinking water. Although these are often covered with a protective layer of zinc, which is designed to prevent corrosion (rust), the increases of iron in the water causes the gradual erosion of the zinc layer (see explanation on zinc). The limit for drinking water (in accordance with drinking water regulations->DWR) is 0.2 mg / l (= milligrams per litre, 1 milligram = 1 thousandth of a gram). The iron content limit fixed for DWR is meant, in this particular case, as a technical requirement for the protection against deposits in tanks and pipes. Iron content in drinking water is usually much lower than what is regarded for people as being the harmful limit of 200 mg. However a level of more than 0.2 mg / can already cause unpleasant effects to occur because iron ions flocculate visibly upon contact with dissolved oxygen. Staining, turbidity, sediment, and a rusty and metallic taste, are consequences of this process. For these reasons, often even small amounts of iron are disturbing.

Magnesium

Magnesium is contained in sea water in an amount of about 1300 ppm. In addition to sodium, it is therefore also the most abundant cation in the seas. In river water, the magnesium content is 4 ppm in seaweed at 6000-20000 ppm and in marine fish and oysters at 1200 ppm.
Together with other alkaline earth ions, magnesium is responsible for water hardness (total hardness). Water with a high content of alkaline earth ions is called hard water and little alkaline earth ions as soft. Magnesium in water: Many minerals contain magnesium, such as dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate; CaMg (CO3) 2) and magnesite (magnesium carbonate; MgCO3). The magnesium can be washed from the rock and rinsed in water. Magnesium can find many different uses and so on, for example, also production processes go into the water. In the chemical industry, it is added as a fire retardant or a filler, and other plastic materials. As a component of fertilizers and additive in animal feed, it gets very easily in the environment. Magnesium sulphate is used in beer brewing, and magnesium hydroxide as a flocculent in waste water treatment. Also, Magnesium acts as a mild laxative. Used as an alloy with other metals may be used for bodies of cars and aircraft.

Manganese

Manganese is part of a variety of ores, and is present in 0.18% of the earth's crust. It frequently occurs in ferrous groundwater, although at lower concentrations than iron.
In humans, for example, manganese is involved in the regulation of the carbohydrates and cholesterol metabolisms, and also plays a role in skeletal development. The recommended intake is about 2 - 3 mg per day (food intake, black tea).
In water treatment, as well as iron, manganese is largely removed by oxidation and subsequent filtration. Eliminating microorganisms support the operations in the filter. Not sufficiently distanced manganese in drinking water can lead to a brown-black haze. Potassium permanganate is an approved, drinking water regulation, substance, for the oxidation and disinfection of piping.
Small amounts of manganese causes deposits in the pipe network for long periods. When irrigation, pipe network, or operating changes (other flow conditions, flow direction reversal, switching to a remote water supply), these deposits can be picked up and lead to the already mentioned above opacities. There is also the risk of recontamination during deposition of organic matter with the manganese ("breeding ground").
Drinking water regulations limit: 0.050 mg / L Mn.

Methylethylketoxime

Methylethylketoxime, designated by IUPAC as 2-butanone, is a colorless liquid.
The product, in addition to the chemical oxygen degassing of water, is applied as an additive in paints and coatings to prevent the formation of a skin.

Molybdate

Molybdate is a weak, oxidizing agent and is used as a corrosion inhibitor for pipes and vessels when heating and cooling water. It is, in usual concentrations, not harmful to aquatic organisms and bacteria and is also present in small amounts in drinking water.

Nickel

The nickel content in sea water is about 0.5-2 ppb, whereas rivers contain only about 0.3 ppb of chromium. The nickel concentration in phytoplankton is 1-10 ppm (dry mass), suggesting a bio concentration factor of about 103-104 to sea water. Benthic algae that are found in both fresh and salt water containing 0.2 to 84 ppm, sea crabs from 0.14 to 60 ppm, 0.1 to 850 ppm molluscs and fish are 0.1 to 11 ppm (all values on dry mass).
Nickel occurs in water before especially as Ni2 + (aq) and possibly as nico3. It can be dissolved or complexed with inorganic ligands present but also bound particulate form. Nickel occurs in nature, for example in front of slate, sandstone, clay minerals and basalt. However, the main source of nickel recovery is pentlandite. It is accumulated in sediments and is found in various biological cycles again.
To diffuse nickel emissions from large combustion plants, waste incineration and metal industries. Nickel can also be introduced directly into the sewer line from various industries. It is used in the electroplating industry, the surface treatment of metals, alloys, nickel -cadmium batteries, as catalyst, and as a pigment. Pure nickel is often applied as a protective coating on steel and copper items. Nickel -copper alloys have been used for Coins for a long time. Other alloys are used for kitchen appliances, jewellery, etc... Nickel found except in electroplating and as a mordant in textile printing and using nickel as a catalyst for fat hardening and the production of ceramic colours , just like nickel chloride. Nickel tetra carbonyl occurs as an intermediate in purification of the nickel, and is used for various production processes.
Nickel compounds are also found in agriculture. Traces of phosphate fertilizers and can be found on farmland near coal-and oil -burning industries. Organic substances have the tendency to absorb nickel even coal and oil contain a certain amount of this element. Nickel compounds are also found in sewage sludge, as well as in the slag and filter dust from waste incinerators.

Nitrate and Nitrite

Nitrate and nitrite are nutrients for plants, which have been used for many years as a fertilizer in agriculture, and also in small gardens, etc. Nitrate and nitrite are convertible with one other, depending on the oxygen content in the water.
The cause of health risks is the risk of a reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Such a conversion takes place in the intestines through certain bacteria. Secondly, the salivary glands can, via the blood vessels, reduce stranded nitrate. The current limit for NO3-in drinking water is, according to German drinking water regulations, at 50 mg / l, and according to the Swiss Water Protection Regulations, at 25 mg / l, waters that exceed this limit are, often mixed with low-nitrate water in order to reach this limit. Recently, the first water treatment systems have been built using reverse osmosis or nanofiltration in order for the lower partial demineralization of the nitrate level in drinking water.

O2

In Northern latitudes, active oxygen is a particularly popular alternative disinfectant to chlorine. Principally, however, for purposes of measurement what counts is whether the medium used contains persulfate or peroxide. Water disinfected with persulfate-containing media is measured according to the DPD N° 4 method. When using peroxide containing disinfection media, Hydrogen Peroxide tablets are used in connection with the Acidifying PT tablets. In both cases, the “Active Oxygen (O2)“ designation is in fact misleading. It is not the molecular Oxygen that oxidizes (disinfects); rather it is an Oxygen radical which quite quickly combines with an additional radical to form molecular Oxygen (the air one breathes). This is also the main disadvantage to this method; because the disinfection effect does not last long and the effect is rather limited. As a strict rule, therefore, Chlorine is added in regular intervals when Active Oxygen is used for disinfection. Yet with the DPD N° 4 method false readings can then result (when simultaneously using both Chlorine and Active Oxygen), because the potassium iodide contained in this tablet catalytically splits the persulfates and thus the sum of persulfate and chlorine is indicated

Ozone

Ozone is comprised of 3 oxygen atoms (O3). It is an unstable molecule and disintegrates, after a rather short time either in the air or when it is dissolved in water, into oxygen, O2 and an oxygen radical. The oxidative effect of this oxygen radical is very strong and a depot effect is ruled out because two radicals immediately combine to O2. Ozone is produced directly on the spot by ozone producers and other required appliance-like devices. Special rules and precautions are required, because Ozone is 10 times more poisonous than chlorine. Thus Ozone is only used during a single dosage stretch – outside the pool – and must be filtered out before being used again (activated carbon). The maximum allowable concentration of ozone added to the pool is only 0.05 mg/l which is why ozone is insufficient as a disinfectant requiring it to be supplemented by other – as a rule chlorine content – disinfectants. Ozone kills bacteria, oxidizes organic contamination (e.g. urea), reduces chlorine usage, and leaves no irritating traces behind. As a rule, the human nose which can perceive ozone concentrations of 1:500.000 is the best measuring device. However, ozone combined with chlorine can be measured under the DPD method. By adding glycine, ozone is eliminated so that chlorine alone can be measured whereby the ozone content is determined from the difference.

pH value

The pH (potentia Hydrogenii) value is a measure of the strength of the acidic and/or base effect of a watery solution. It is particularly important when preparing bathing water because, among other things, it influences the effectiveness of disinfectants and the compatibility of the water with skin, eyes, and materials. A pH value of 5.5 is ideal for the skin. However, the water would then have so much acid that metallic materials would not only corrode but eyes would start to burn because tears have a pH value of between 7.0 and 7.5. therefore, a compromise must be found. In regard to materials compatibility, the pH value shouldn’t fall below 7.0 in any case. At the same time pH values over 7.6 will have dermatological effects and will also influence the effectiveness of the disinfectant, thus negatively influencing the speed at with which bacteria can be killed off. Principally: At pH values above 7.5 = the natural coat of the skin that protects against acids begins to be destroyed (>8.0); in (medium) hard water, calcium precipitation beings (>8.0); the disinfecting effect of chlorine declines with (>7.5) pH values under 7.0 = chloramines form which irritate the mucous membranes and cause irritations to the sense of smell (<7.0); corrosion appearances in metal-content (installed) parts (<6.5); problems with flocculation (<6.2).

Phenol

Chemical family name for aromatic hydroxyl compounds of benzene. Phenols are obtained mainly from coal tar. Phenols are, among others, also included in the plant, animal and human body. Production and application: Phenol is a by- product coking plants. In industry, they are primarily in oil, in paints and varnishes, in foundries, in wood processing, can be found in the production of plastics and pesticides. Typical examples are nitro phenols, chlorophenols and PCP. Industrial use is the PCP, also in the paper industry and in pesticides. Chlorophenol is formed, for example, as an intermediate in the manufacture of medicines. Environmental impact and health: Phenol is considered to be atmospheric pollutant and carcinogen acts on the skin and the respiratory organs. The biodegradability of many phenols is very bad. PCP acts on microorganisms, plants, insects, molluscs and is very toxic to fish. Phenols must be mostly removed from the wastewater. Wastewater treatment / drinking water treatment: phenols can be found in large quantities in the effluents from coke ovens, gas works and charcoal plants, textile processing plants, refineries and the pharmaceutical industry. Due to its poor biodegradability other methods are usually preferred, depending on the composition of other waste water, such as oxidative process or membrane process.

PHMB

Biguanide disinfectants are also gaining in popularity as an alternative to chlorine. Other than with other substitute materials, such as for example ozone or active oxygen, biguanides do not go well with chlorine, bromine, copper, or silver compounds. Nevertheless a counteracting agent is required because biguanides do not deploy an oxidative effect which is required, for example, for the breakdown of organic materials such as ureas and sweat. To do this, as a rule, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used in addition to biguanide.

Phosphate

Phosphates come up in nature in multiple ways, for example after it rains in the hills. But detergents also use phosphates as softeners. Phosphates are basically non-poisonous, even encourage the growth of aquatic plants and thus also algae, which are really not welcome in pools. When present in water, phosphates can be removed with “Phosphate Remover” products such as, the “Accepta 9079”.

Phosphonates

Phosphonates are salts of the phosphonic acid and organic compounds. As salts exist primary (MH2PO3) and secondary (M2H2PO3) phosphonates. The organic compounds of this group of materials (phosphorous) the formula R -PO (OH) 2 (R = alkyl radical or aryl radical) and differ from the esters of phosphoric acid by the direct bond of phosphorus with carbon (C-P bond). In contrast, phosphates are (similar to sulphates and sulfonic) COP bonds now, which can be hydrolysed much easier compared to CP bonds. In compounds of this type, the properties of a salt (or acid) are associated with the properties of the organic compound. So there are many compounds of this type that are soluble in water. Some technically important phosphonates carry amino groups in the manner of NR2 (CH2) x -PO (OH) 2 (R = alkyl or H). Some of these aminos have structural similarities with complexing agents such as EDTA, NTA or DTPA and have a similar function. They may include cations such as Ca 2 + in the solution and alter the chemical behaviour of the cation. In the case of calcium, the property disappears to form water hardness. However, other cations can be bound in order to mitigate their chemical reactivity.

Polyacrylates

Polyacrylates, polymers of esters of acrylic acid and of acrylic acid derivatives with alcohols are plastics which are used, among others, in coatings and adhesives, as a dispersant. Production and application: They are usually prepared by free radical polymerization, the uses of pure polyacrylic acid esters, however, are limited due to the low glass transition temperature. Polyacrylates are widely used in paints, coatings and adhesives and in the processing of paper and textiles. A well-known characteristic of the polyacrylates is the so -called polymethacrylate, better known as Plexiglas ®. Polyacrylates in water: polyacrylates are used as dispersants and calcium complexion in detergents and cleaners, and in water treatment.

Potassium

Being the seventh most abundant element, potassium is represented by 2.6% of the earth's crust. In groundwater K + ions are usually included in much smaller amounts than Na + ions as potassium is an important nutrient for plants.
The human need for potassium is about 2 - 3 g per day.
The effects on water and pipe networks are not known for potassium.

PTSA

PTSA (1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt) is a stable fluorescent tracer dye that emits wavelengths between 400 and 500 nm when irradiated with UV light. It provides an excellent choice for the active on-line monitoring of cooling water treatment when a fixed known amount is added to the inhibitor being dosed. Once added to the water circulation system it is stable over time, doesn’t not react easily with other substances and is environmentally safe.

QAC - QUATS (quaternary ammonium compounds)

Quaternary ammonium compounds are increasingly being used as a replacement of the previously established copper sulphate algaecide to eliminate their disadvantages (see copper). The use of algaecides is necessary despite correct use of chlorine or other disinfectants, to prevent the growth of algae.

Silica

Silica (often: silicon dioxide) is a collective term for the modifications of the oxides of silicon with the formula SiO2.
The bulk of sand deposits consists nonetheless of silica (quartz), not only because it is common, but also because of its hardness and chemical resistiveness, and in particular, its resistance to weathering. Silica is the major component of all the quartz glasses.
The solubility of silica in water is strongly dependent on the modification or the temperature of the silica. The crystalline high-level quartz solubility is at 25 ° C at about 10 mg SiO2 per liter of water. It should be remembered, however, that the solution equilibrium may adjust very slowly. The disordered amorphous silicic acids are significantly more soluble at the same temperature with 120 mg / l of water. [3]
Some natural waters contain colloidal silicon dioxide (SiO2), in addition to silica, which does not hydrate in water at normal temperatures into silica.
The quantitatively most important, of which is in the form of silica, is glass. Usually it will improve with substances such as aluminum oxide, boron oxide, calcium and sodium oxide mixed, to lower the melting temperature, and to facilitate the processing or the properties of the final product. Pure silica is, difficult to melt, and therefore quartz glass is particularly resistant to temperature and temperature fluctuation.

Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid.
The intended use is bleaching or disinfecting (for example in swimming pools). Use in swimming pools is problematic, because the amount needs to be sufficient to chlorinate the ammonia present (or amines), in addition to the mono chloramine stage, since only then is a sufficient disinfection ensured.
Sodium hypochlorite is also the main active ingredient of bleach and disinfectant household cleaners. Various mould cleaners or drain cleaners also contain this chemical. They are often advertised as “containing active chlorine".
The application of sodium is found furthermore in dentistry. It is, for example used in root canal treatment to disinfect bacterially infected teeth.

Sulphate

Sulphates such as gypsum, anhydrite, etc. are widely found in the natural environment. Groundwater contains for this reason 10-30 mg / litre sulphate. Sulphates are also components of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and detergents. Aluminum and iron sulfate are used in water treatment. Sulphate enters the water cycle via industrial waste water, for example from paper mills and textile factories.
Sulphates are among the safest substances in water, but can the cause corrosion of water pipes. Waters containing large amounts of sulfate can be damaging to cement (sulphate flowering). A high sulfate content in conjunction with a high magnesium content such as tea and coffee leads to a deterioration of flavour.
The maximum concentration is 250 mg / litre of drinking water.

Sulphide

Sulphides are the salts of hydrogen sulphide H2S, a very weak acid.
Characteristic of sulphides is the smell of rotten eggs. Contact with acids (including carbon dioxide, CO2, in the air), leads to the the toxic and flammable hydrogen sulphide being released. It reacts very strongly with oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate or potassium dichromate. It is readily soluble in water, and the solution is strongly alkaline and very corrosive. Long-term storage of the substance leads to a slow reaction with water and a yellow color.
Sulphides are used in tanneries as depilatories, in mining for ore flotation, in organic chemistry as a reducing agent, in wastewater treatment for heavy metal precipitation, and for the production of sulphur dyes. Furthermore, it is used to color glass, for the removal of NOx (nitrogen oxides) from exhaust gases, and for wood pulping.
Sulphides enter wastewater in the form of sulphur compounds, in organic and inorganic forms, via industrial and commercial operations. Furthermore, they can also develop through the bacterial degradation of sulphur compounds in wastewater. Sulphide-containing waste water in an anaerobic, ie oxygen-free state, can produce so-called sulphide problems, from what was initially harmless wastewater. These include health and safety issues, difficulties in waste water treatment, odor, and the corrosion of building and other materials.

Sulphite

Sulphites are the salts and esters of sulphurous acid H2SO3. The salts contain Sulphite (SO3)2 - as an anion. They are often used as a preservative in wine, dried fruit, and potato products. Sulphites occur naturally in almost all wines.
Sulphite is not usually present in waters, as it is a good reducing agent and is easily oxidized into sulfate. The Sulphite concentration in boiler water and process water needs to be monitored regularly in order to avoid overdosing and the resulting damage to materials. Sulphite test kits use iodometric chemistry in which Sulphite is titrated with iodide-iodate. A starch solution serves as an indicator.

Suspended solids

Total suspended solids (TSS) is a water quality parameter used for example to assess the quality of wastewater after treatment in a wastewater treatment plant. It is listed as a conventional pollutant in the U.S. Clean Water Act. This parameter was at one time called non-filterable residue (NFR), a term that refers to the identical measurement: the dry-weight of particles trapped by a filter, typically of a specified pore size. However, the term "non-filterable" suffered from an odd (for science) condition of usage: in some circles (Oceanography, for example) "filterable" meant the material retained on a filter, so non-filterable would be the water and particulates that passed through the filter. In other disciplines (Chemistry and Microbiology for examples) and dictionary definitions, "filterable" means just the opposite: the material passed by a filter, usually called "Total dissolved solids" or TDS. Thus in chemistry the non-filterable solids are the retained material called the residue.
Although turbidity purports to measure approximately the same water quality property as TSS, the latter (filtering sample, weighting residue) is more useful because it provides an actual weight of the particulate material present in the sample. In water quality monitoring situations, a series of more labor-intensive TSS measurements will be paired with relatively quick and easy turbidity measurements to develop a site-specific correlation. TSS test on PrimeLab is a turbidity based measurement! Once satisfactorily established, the correlation can be used to estimate TSS from more frequently made turbidity measurements, saving time and effort. Because turbidity readings are somewhat dependent on particle size, shape, and color, this approach requires calculating a correlation equation for each location. Further, situations or conditions that tend to suspend larger particles through water motion (e.g., increase in a stream current or wave action) can produce higher values of TSS not necessarily accompanied by a corresponding increase in turbidity. This is because particles above a certain size (essentially anything larger than silt) are not measured by a bench turbidity meter (they settle out before the reading is taken), but contribute substantially to the TSS value.

Tannic acid

The tannins (from the French tannin, also known as condensed proanthocyanidins)
The main technical use of the tannins is in the production of leather (tanning), where they are used as tanning agents for cross-linking of the collagen molecules and thus to increase the durability and protection against micro-organisms. In the chemical industry tannins are used for the extraction of Gallic acid and pyrogallol.
By condensation with suitable crosslinking agents (e.g., formaldehyde) to high molecular weight condensation products, binders can be used for bonding wood materials. As distinct antioxidants they are used as a dietary supplement and are also used for food preservation. They also have anti -viral and anti-bacterial properties.
In medicine tannins used for its astringent effect as a haemostatic agent, as an antiseptic or treating excessive salivation (sialorrhoea). In folk medicine the expectorant effect is found in oak bark in Europe (for baths) and the bark of Acacia Verek in Africa.

Triazole

Many derivatives of triazoles are used such as antifungal (including fluconazole, fosfluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole) or fungicide (for example cyproconazol, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, flusilazole, hexaconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole or triadimenol).
Triazoles are the active ingredients in many licensed, commercially sold fungicides, and are applicable to control plant diseases such as Septoria tritici or Fusarium-species. They inhibit the ergosterol biosynthesis of fungi. Some mutations in the gene coding for the target enzyme of the triazoles have been associated with differences in relation to the sensitivity of fungi in relation to triazoles for combating plant diseases, and are only allowed triazoles.

Turbidity

Turbidity refers to the ability of water, to, sprinkle light on irradiated finely dispersed, suspended particles, and to reduce the transparency of the water. Raw water turbidity is caused by organic and inorganic particulates, and by living organisms. Turbity is therefore, often a measure or indication of impurities in the water. Turbity serves in water treatment monitoring, (eg fluctuating water quality), and optimization methods, (eg flocculation, filtration).
Turbidity is quantified by measuring turbidity with the use of optical instruments. The measured values are indicated by units that relate to the calibration of formazine standard suspensions. In drinking water regulations, the Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) are used.
Drinking water regulations limit: 1.0 NTU.

Zinc

There can be different reasons for measuring copper values. When it comes to drinking water, copper measurements are made in order to determine the quality of the drinking water. There are no official maximum permissible values for copper in drinking water, but there are recommended values of between 2 to 3 mg/l. Copper is a trace element and is thus essential to human life. A daily consumption of 0.05 – 0.5 mg/kg body weight is considered acceptable. Copper is, however, considered to be dangerous to organisms which is “positively” taken advantage of in swimming pool areas to combat algae and bacteria in the form of copper-containing algicides. However, copper-sulfate containing algicides also have their disadvantages such as the possible discoloration of hair, spotting in swimming suits, and even corrosiveness and copper acetate sedimentation. As an example, copper releases into the drinking water from copper pipes. The “Copper/Zinc LR” tablet simultaneously measures both copper and zinc which is how zinc is eliminated from the reaction through the EDTA tablet included in the kit before both individual values are obtained. The “Dechlor” tablet that is also included in the kit prevents deviations in the measurement if the residual chlorine content is high.